by Debbie White
“I’ll still work there, but I’d like to cut my hours. Annie is looking for a new baker now.”
Annie tipped her head. “Yes, and it is proving to be more difficult than I’d hoped.”
“You know, we could clear out the attic, and it would be a great mini apartment,” Lilly said out of the blue.
Annie had forgotten about the space. It held boxes, stacked to the ceiling, an old brass bed, and who knows what else. A private bath adjoined the area, and a small landing near the staircase gave it a nice private feel.
“Grandmother, that’s a great idea. It really is a nice space. We used to play up there a lot when we were kids.”
“We could have a weekend where we all pitch in to clean it up, get it painted, etcetera,” Mary said, reaching her arm out to stroke Lilly’s arm.
“So, does this mean we’re moving in?” Charles said, followed by a burst of laughter.
“I think so,” Patty said, nodding toward her sister, Lilly.
“Grandmother, that’s so kind of you to offer them the attic space. It really will make a nice apartment, and you’ll have them right here with you. I may be losing the best baker for Sweet Indulgence, but you’ll be gaining a great cook, baker, and the companionship of two very special people.” Annie smiled over at the newlyweds.
“Just tell us when and we’ll bring the reinforcements,” Mary quipped.
“Sounds like a plan,” Betsy said, walking them to the door.
“See you tomorrow, Betsy,” Annie said, walking out the front door.
“Peter will be there tomorrow,” Betsy said, bobbing her head between bodies to make eye contact with Annie.
“Is he fully trained? He can do everything you can do?”
“He still has a few things to learn, but he’s catching on fast. I’ll be there to help guide him, but he might be the next baker, and no need to look any further.”
Annie tilted her head and pursed her lips tightly. “That would be the answer to all my prayers.”
Mary leaned in and kissed her grandmother and auntie on the cheek and then Annie did the same. The two women walked down the sidewalk together, very happy with how things went.
Annie stood at her car, with one hand on the passenger door. She quickly opened the door and tossed her purse on the seat. “It couldn’t have gone any better.” She slammed the door shut.
“I know you probably didn’t like the way I handled it, but I didn’t see any reason to pussyfoot around the issues. We’d still be trying to discuss it if I hadn’t just jumped in and blurted out the reason we were there.”
“I get it. I try to handle them with kid gloves, but they can deal with almost anything. Their age is just a number. They’ve seen a lot and have been around the block a few times. They’re very intelligent women. They know this is the aging process. No matter how much we hate it and don’t want to admit it, it is what it is, and when family offers help and solutions, you just need to give in some.”
“I couldn’t agree more. And what about those two lovebirds?”
“I know, I think that was a last-minute decision on their part, but it’s all good. I’m happy for them, and I think it really sealed the deal.” Annie walked around the back of her car. “Have a great day, sis.” She crossed to the driver’s side and opened the door, about to slide in.
“Hey, Annie?”
Annie rose up and made eye contact with Mary. “Yes?”
“If Danny and I did what Charles and Betsy did, would you be as understanding?”
Annie placed a hand on her car roof. Knitting her brows together, she let out a long sigh. “If that’s what you two choose to do, then I guess we’d have to accept it. I would much rather give you a real wedding. Mom and dad would have liked to see you have the wedding of your dreams. There’s money in the trust for that, too.”
“I know, but Danny and I aren’t the church type.”
“Doesn’t have to be in a church. Jack and I got married under that big, old sweet magnolia tree,” she said, recalling their beautiful day.
“We don’t have anything like that, but we’re still thinking about it.”
“Are you officially engaged? Where was I when you made this announcement?”
“No, not officially. We don’t do anything the conventional way.”
“That’s true,” Annie said, giggling.
“Well, hug that nephew of mine. I’m coming over soon for my auntie fix. That, and to see that big puppy, Isla.”
“She’s growing as fast as Ashton. Yes, please come by. Bring Danny, too. No need to call, just drop by. Oh, and don’t forget Jack’s birthday bash, two weeks from tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s right. We’ll be there.” Mary blew Annie a kiss.
Annie reciprocated and then got into her vehicle and drove off.
Chapter 3
Talk about anxiety. Annie had plenty to go around, and it didn’t just involve her reluctance to be too far away from Ashton. Throwing Jack a birthday party proved to be a bit more challenging than maybe Annie bargained for. But like anything, she took the task at hand by the horns, and made it the best she could. And from the sounds of it, she did a pretty good job.
“Annie, what you’ve done for Jack is so nice. I love the carved jack-o’-lanterns all over the place,” her best friend and one of the original sorority sisters, Vicky said.
“And where in the world did you find the little pumpkin lights?” Mary asked.
“Craft store in town,” Annie said, admiring the stringed lights.
“Well, everything is very nice,” Vicky said, wrapping her arm around Annie.
“Please enjoy yourselves. There’s plenty of food and drink. I’m going to go rescue the birthday boy from Grandmother,” Annie said, stepping away from the huddle.
Ashton bobbled his toys while he sat on Jack’s lap. He put everything in his mouth, so Annie and Jack made sure all his toys were of the finest materials. In fact, Jack made a teething toy for him out of solid maple, sanded smooth with no chemicals or stains. Ashton gummed it to death and had it in his mouth now.
Annie held out her arms. “Come to Mommy.”
Jack leaned in and kissed both Ashton and Annie on the cheek. “I’m going to go over and talk with Major Scott Collins.” His voice boomed when he said the man’s name.
Annie chuckled. “Yes, why don’t you.” She sat down next to her grandmother while she bounced Ashton on her knee. She watched as Jack made his way over to Scott. He always mock saluted him before engaging in conversation with him. Annie wondered if Jack missed his opportunity to join the military. She drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly; the selfish side of her was glad he’d never been. Annie’s awareness of some stuff regarding Danny and his PTSD that Mary was dealing with, gave her a window into what could happen to the men and women who serve, especially during conflict. Knowing how inevitable war could be, Annie, now the mother of a son, held her baby even closer.
Soon all the ladies gathered around Annie and her grandmother, Ashton drawing them in like a magnet. Everyone wanted to hold him. He got passed around like the football during their family-friendly Thanksgiving football game.
Annie had made costumes optional, and most people came dressed in street clothes, but it turned out many wanted to get into the spirit of Halloween. Mary and Danny came dressed as Bonnie and Clyde, and Annie had found a cute clown sleeper for Ashton and put some red lipstick on his cheeks. Grandmother and Auntie wore dark clothes and white crocheted shawls wrapped around their shoulders. They wore large hats secured under their chin with wide ribbon and told everyone they were dressed up as pioneer women. Annie laughed but then realized it wasn’t too far from the truth. Those two really were pioneer women!
The children played games like bobbing for apples, fishing for toys out of a large plastic wading pool, and carving pumpkins.
“I think I’m going to go over and see the young people play some games,” Patty said.
Annie tipped her head.
&nb
sp; “Wait for me, I’ll join you,” Grandmother said, trailing behind her.
“Your grandmother and auntie are sure spry women for their age,” Vicky said.
“Yes, they really are. I hope they’ll always have good health.” Annie drew in her bottom lip as her eyes welled up. “How’s your house coming along?” she asked, changing the subject.
“It’s coming along well. In fact, we should be moved in the week before Christmas.”
“Wow, that’s such a busy time.”
“Yes, but it will be so nice to be in our dream home. I think we’ll have a little get-together for New Year’s Eve.”
“That will be nice. By the way, have you heard from our wayward college sisters, Cassie and Jessica? I’ve invited them over twice since Ashton came home and they haven’t come yet. The last time I saw them was at my baby shower.”
Vicky shook her head. “No, I haven’t. I’ve just talked to them on the phone a few times. They seem to be doing all right.”
“Yeah, I’ve talked to them on the phone, too, but it sure would be nice to see them. I get it, though. They have their families, and I’m sure their time is stretched, just like mine.”
Vicky drew in a deep breath and blinked a few times.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to …”
“No worries. It’s just something we have to get used to. We won’t be having any children.”
“Vicky, what about adoption?”
“We inquired, but they are discouraging us because Scott is in the military.”
“That’s just stupid. You two would make great parents, military or no military. What does that mean exactly, anyway?”
“We might get stationed somewhere else, I guess, before the process can be finalized.”
“Well, get another attorney to give an assessment. I’m sure something can be done. They shouldn’t be able to use the military as a reason for not granting the adoption. That’s … that’s being prejudiced.”
Vicky wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks. “It does seem so wrong. We have so much love to give. We have a new beautiful house with four bedrooms, and we earn a decent income.”
“Don’t give up. Promise me you won’t give up,” Annie said, turning and placing both hands on Vicky’s arms.
Vicky nodded. “Okay, we won’t, I promise.”
“And let’s also make a pinky promise right now that we’re going to go see those two college sisters of ours shortly. If they won't come to us, we’ll go to them.”
Broadening her smile to match her excitement, Vicky agreed. “Deal,” she said, holding out her pinky.
Annie flipped the light switch off and closed the door about halfway as she stepped out into the hallway.
“He’s worn out,” Jack whispered.
“It was all the excitement and being passed around to everyone. He will either sleep great, or he’ll be overstimulated and wake up a bunch of times.”
“Think positive,” Jack said, leading Annie down the hall toward their bedroom.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Annie rubbed lotion onto her feet and hands. Then she applied night cream to her face. “Scott and Vicky want a child so badly.”
“Why don’t they adopt,” Jack said, climbing under the covers.
“They’ve tried. It seems that being in the military is not something favorable in the adoption agencies’ eyes.”
“That’s crazy. They should be so happy to have a very patriotic American loving family, who has so much love to offer. They should be so lucky to find a better placement for an adoptee.”
“I told her as much, and to not give up.”
“What’s on your agenda for tomorrow?” Jack asked, snuggling with Annie.
“Well, it’s Sunday, and I’m officially off, but I thought maybe I’d drive into town and check in on the bakery. We’re in full swing for the holidays, now.”
“You need to take your days off, Annie. We’ve talked about this before. Why hire staff if you won’t let them work without being micromanaged?”
“I’m not micromanaging. I’m just …”
Jack pursed his mouth and knitted his brows.
“Okay. I’m micromanaging.”
“So, I say we lounge around in our pajamas, while sipping hot chocolate and watching old movies.” Jack pulled her over on top of him. Her hair hung down, tickling his face. He reached up and tucked it behind her ears.
Annie leaned down, finding his warm and very inviting mouth. They kissed passionately, both realizing it’d been a while. Having a baby could sometimes change the pattern of romance. He ran his hands up and down her back, holding her tightly while kissing her. She let out a soft moan as he rolled her off. She ran her hands up and down his arms as he stared at her hungrily. Just as he made his next move, Ashton wailed.
Annie bolted straight up. “Ashton!”
“Wait a second, let’s see if he goes back to sleep,” Jack said through labored breathing.
She dropped back down and gazed at Jack. He leaned over and resumed his kisses. Suddenly, she held up her hands against his chest. “I’m sorry. I just have to check on him.”
Jack rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling. Annie climbed out of bed and dashed down the hallway. She peeked into the room. Ashton had fallen back to sleep. Annie smiled as she quietly walked back to their bedroom. Jack’s hands rested behind his head on the pillow.
“Everything all right?” he said, making eye contact with Annie.
“Sound asleep, just like you said. I’m sorry,” she said, climbing back onto the bed next to him. She snuggled under his arm.
Jack slid his arm around her and held her tightly. “We have to make sure we keep our romance alive, Annie. It’s very important. I know it’s an adjustment, and I’m willing to wait, but I have needs, too.”
Annie turned her head and studied his face. She reached up and gently stroked his face. He turned toward her, his eyes almost begging for her. “No need to wait, Jack. I love you. You are my world. Without you, there’d be no Ashton. I’ll always have time for you.” She found his mouth and kissed him deeply, teasing him with her tongue.
He slid out his other arm and pulled her in. “I love you, Annie,” he said, devouring her mouth.
“More hot chocolate is coming up,” Annie called from the kitchen.
“Okay, hurry. The movie is about to start,” he said.
Annie could hear Ashton babbling in the background. She fixed the hot cocoa, plated the gooey cinnamon rolls, and headed to the living room where the three of them would enjoy a lazy Sunday. Nothing could be more perfect. Annie laid the tray on the coffee table, and with both hands on her hips, smiled at her two guys cuddled on the couch. “Make room for Momma,” she said, squeezing in.
Jack bounced Ashton in the air. He laughed as he came down into Jack’s hands. The flames danced in the fireplace, and both Isla and Buffy lay tangled on their big fluffy bed, enjoying the warmth of the fire.
Annie brought the cup to her lips and blew on it. “This was a great idea,” she said, smiling at the two of them.
“I do have a few good ideas now and then,” he said, smiling back.
“And some good moves, too.” She smiled when she recalled them together the night before.
Jack winked. He pounded his chest with the palm of his hand. “You Jane, me Tarzan.”
Annie leaned forward and placed the cup on the table, picking up her phone. She turned toward Jack. “And in exactly three hours, when this little guy takes his nap, you can show me your Tarzan moves.” She pulled in her bottom lip.
Jack patted her on the leg. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about. The romance department is alive and well.” He pulled her down and kissed her with Ashton right in the middle.
Ashton playfully waved his hands all around and reeled his head back and laughed. Soon Jack and Annie were laughing, too.
Chapter 4
Now that they were parents, Annie looked forward to her favorite season, fall
, and all the holidays. Thanksgiving followed Halloween and then would come Christmas. It was also one of the busiest times of the year for the bakery.
Trying to remain the strong and independent businesswoman she’d become, Annie juggled motherhood, being a wife, as well as being the owner of Sweet Indulgence. Throw in the also being the oldest granddaughter and niece of two very needy elderly family members, and Annie could feel her once strong and independent self begin to crumble.
She stood at the kitchen sink, rinsing out Ashton’s sippy cup, while Jack entertained him in the other room. The timer for their dinner went off, startling her. She dried her hands and opened the oven door. She drew in the smell of the baked pork chops and her mouth began to water. She put on a pair of oven mitts and pulled out the glass baking dish.
“Dinner is ready,” she called out to Jack.
Jack came in carrying Ashton, swooping him up and down. He made airplane noises, and Ashton laughed and cackled as Jack flew him around the room. He flew Ashton right over to his high chair and buckled him in. Then he went over to help Annie. “Yum, something smells delicious,” he said, coming up behind her.
“Just pork chops.”
“Just pork chops,” he said teasing. “They smell pretty darn good, for just being pork chops.” He stuck his head around and kissed her on the cheek.
“Jack,” she said, giggling.
“What?”
“Help me plate the food.”
They sat down, and in between taking her bites, she fed Ashton.
“He seems to like the sweet potato,” Jack said, observing Annie feeding him.
“He’s five months old now; we can start experimenting with some different foods. I’d love to be able to make our baby food instead of buying the jarred stuff.”
Jack forked a piece of his pork chop and brought it toward his mouth. “Make his baby food? As if you have lots of spare time for that.”
“I know, but I’d like to try. If we have to augment with jarred food, then that’s what I’ll do,” she said, her voice catching.